In a moment etched in golden letters in India’s cultural history, 12 forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj have been officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This landmark recognition highlights the Maratha military genius, architectural excellence, and the spirit of Swarajya envisioned by one of India’s most revered warrior kings.
UNESCO Recognizes “Maratha Military Landscapes of India”
The nomination titled “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” has now been inscribed for its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). Developed between the 17th and 19th centuries, these forts are a unique example of regionally adapted military engineering, rooted deeply in the landscape and cultural ethos of the Maratha empire.
List of 12 Forts Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List
📍 11 Forts in Maharashtra:
- Raigad
- Rajgad
- Pratapgad
- Panhala
- Shivneri
- Lohagad
- Salher
- Sindhudurg
- Vijaydurg
- Suvarnadurg
- Khanderi
📍 1 Fort in Tamil Nadu:
- Jinji (Gingee) Fort
A Legacy of Strategic Brilliance and Swarajya
These forts—varying in scale, typology, and geographical character—were meticulously designed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to build and defend his vision of Swarajya (self-rule). Positioned across the Sahyadri mountain ranges, the Konkan coastline, the Deccan Plateau, and the Eastern Ghats, the forts reflect a deep synergy between nature and strategy.
From cliff-top citadels to coastal bastions, each fort represents a masterclass in military architecture and cultural sovereignty.
“Maharaj didn’t just build forts; he built a nation of self-respect, discipline, and resilience,” a historian remarked.
From Maharashtra to the World: A Joint National Effort
The announcement was made with great pride by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who credited the vision and support of Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the active involvement of the Government of India as instrumental in securing this global recognition.
Key Contributors to the Nomination Process:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi – for policy-level support
- Ministry of Culture & Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- Maharashtra CM & Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar
- Minister Ashish Shelar, who made a personal technical presentation to UNESCO
- UNESCO Ambassador Vishal Sharma
- ACS Vikas Kharge and Hemant Dalvi, Directorate of Archaeology and Museums
Their combined efforts led to the successful inscription of these cultural landmarks, reaffirming India’s global cultural leadership.
What This Means for Maharashtra and India
The inclusion of these forts under the UNESCO World Heritage tag not only enhances India’s global standing in heritage conservation, but also opens up new avenues for:
- International Tourism Growth
- Conservation and Restoration Funding
- Cultural Diplomacy
- Economic Development in Fort-Linked Regions
This status also instills a greater sense of pride among Shiv Bhakts, historians, and citizens of Maharashtra—many of whom regard these forts as living monuments of India’s spirit of resistance and identity.
Official Statement from the Maharashtra Chief Minister
“This is a matter of historic pride for Maharashtra and all Shiv Bhakts across the globe. I heartily congratulate everyone involved in this monumental achievement. These forts are the pride of India, and their global recognition is a tribute to the greatness of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.”
